Explanation:
In the heart of the
Rosette Nebula lies a bright
open cluster
of stars that lights up the nebula.
The stars of NGC 2244 formed from the surrounding gas only a few million years ago.
This just-released image taken by the
CFHT's new
MegaPrime camera shows the region in unprecedented detail.
Although the emission nebula is dominated by red
hydrogen light, the
above image has exaggerated the effect of
green light emitted primarily by small amounts of
oxygen.
A hot wind of particles streams away from the cluster stars
and contributes to an already complex menagerie of gas and
dust filaments while slowly evacuating the cluster center.
The Rosette Nebula's
center measures about 50 light-years across, lies about 4500 light-years away,
and is visible with binoculars towards the constellation of
Monoceros.